A lot of people have forgotten about the Kyle Fuller 2017 story line. They’ve mostly focused on new blood like Akiem Hicks, Leonard Floyd, Eddie Goldman and Nick Kwiatkoski. Hopes are they’ll form the bedrock of the Bears’ defensive resurgence. Fuller has already been written off as yet another bust by former GM Phil Emery.
Is that fair though? In truth Fuller still ranks second in interceptions over the past two seasons despite missing all of 2016 with a knee injury. He’s still young with plenty of qualities that are worth giving another chance. It’s not like the Bears are loaded at the position anyway. Why isn’t he at least getting some coverage?
Mostly because he hasn’t played. People don’t believe he’s worth the trouble anymore. Well that’s not always how things work in the NFL. Sometimes, believe or not, players get healthy and come back better than before. Fuller was playing really well towards the end of 2015. There is every reason to think he still has a future with this team.
Kyle Fuller 2017 season predicted to silence the doubters
Ike Taylor knows a thing or two about people not believing in him. The former Pittsburgh Steelers standout was a fourth round pick in 2003. He started just two games across the first two seasons of his career. It wasn’t until his third year that things finally clicked and he became their primary cover man for the next nine seasons. During that time he won two Super Bowls. So he knows the types of questions Fuller is facing.
He also believes the young man will overcome them and rediscover his niche in Chicago.
“2017 projection: Four interceptions and 15 pass deflections.
The Bears’ first-round pick in 2014, Fuller had a solid start in the league. He hauled in six picks in his first two seasons before missing the entire 2016 campaign with a knee injury. Now there’s talk that the 25-year-old could be on the roster bubble heading into training camp. But I still believe in the guy. With a healthy return in 2017, Fuller has the goods to stand out on a rebuilding Bears squad. He has good anticipation and exceptional route reading. Not to mention, Fuller possesses great ball skills, is always up to the challenge and is the most athletic Fuller brother. Sorry, boys.”
This would be a virtual godsend for the Bears. They badly need some of their young players to start stepping up. Especially in the secondary. Coaches can only do so much. At some point the roster has to take things into their own hands and step up their game. This sort of inconsistency can be expected from such a young group.
Fuller is entering his fourth year. Chicago refused to pick up the fifth year option in his rookie contract. Essentially he’s playing for his future now. Failure likely means cheap deals for the rest of his career. If nothing else that means he’ll be motivated to prove something. If he looks like the guy who finished 2015, the Bears will be in business.
